Method and system for encoded information processing

ABSTRACT

Methods and system for encoded information processing are described. In one embodiment, an encoded pattern may be optically detected from source media. Gaming data and associated synchronization data may be decoded from the encoded pattern. The gaming data may be synchronized for use during gaming based on the synchronization data. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/263,101, filed Oct. 31, 2008, which claims the benefit of UnitedStates Provisional patent applications entitled “Method and System forPattern Processing”, Ser. No. 60/984,248, filed 31 Oct. 2007, “Methodand System for Pattern Processing”, Ser. No. 60/987,320, filed 12 Nov.2007, and “Method and System for Encoded Information Processing”, Ser.No. 61/029,704, filed 19 Feb. 2008, the entire contents of theapplications are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present application relates generally to the technical field ofinformation processing. In specific examples, the present applicationmay relate to a method and system for encoded information processingand/or a method and system for scheduling gaming data.

BACKGROUND

A user interacts with controls on a video game unit to play a video gamefor entertainment purposes. The user may connect with other users of anetwork to participate jointly in a game, or the user may be a soleparticipant in the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation inthe figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system, according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example encoded informationprocessing subsystem that may be deployed in the hand-held device of theFIG. 1, according to an example embodiment;

FIGS. 3-8 are flowcharts illustrating methods for encoded informationprocessing, processing according to example embodiments; and

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a machine in the example form of a computersystem within which a set of instructions for causing the machine toperform one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example methods and systems for encoded information processing aredescribed. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of example embodiments. It will be evident, however, toone of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments of the invention maybe practiced without these specific details.

A bar code or other another type of encoded pattern may be detectedoptically from printed matter or a display device (e.g., a television).Gaming data may be decoded from the encoded pattern for use during avideo game. Gaming data may also be decoded from an encoded audiosignal.

The gaming data may include puzzle data, map data, character data,weapon data, or any other data that may enhance or otherwise alter gameplay. The gaming data may not be immediately used by the video game, butrather may be used according to synchronization data. For example, a newpuzzle received as a portion of the gaming data may only becomeavailable when a television show that corresponds to the puzzle is airedon a television network. The synchronization data may either also bedecoded from the encoded pattern or received from a signal source.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example gaming system 100 in which a hand-helddevice 102 may detect an encoded pattern from source media 106 and/orreceive an encoded audio signal from a signal source 110. The encodedpattern and/or the encoded audio signal may be decoded to obtain gamingdata and/or synchronization data. The gaming data and synchronizationdata may be used to enable a user with the hand-held device 102 to playalong with a game being presented on a display device. For example, thegaming data may be puzzle data and the synchronization data may bepuzzle timing data to indicate which puzzle should be presented on thehand-held device 102.

The hand-held device 102 may be a portable gaming device, a mobiletelephone, a smart card, a portable computer, or the like. Other typesof hand-held devices may also be used. The source media 106 may include,by way of example, printed matter, a display device, or the like. Thesource media 106 may be capable of presenting an encoded pattern (e.g.,a bar code) that is detectable by the hand-held device 102. For example,the source media 106 may include printed media (e.g., a newspaperarticle), electronic media (e.g., a web page), and other types of visualmedia that are capable of visually presenting an encoded pattern. Thesource media 106 may, in an example embodiment, be provided by thesignal source 110.

The hand-held device 102 may include an encoded information processingsubsystem 112 to obtain and use gaming data, promotional data, and/orsynchronization data.

In an example embodiment, the hand-held device 102 may include a CMOSimaging sensor, a 32-bit microprocessor and external memory. Forexample, the hardware of the hand-held device 102 may include OEM partnumber: 5080SR-1212A0R by Honeywell Imaging and Mobility, a color CMOSimaging device (e.g., the Omni Vision OV7670) and a 32-bitmicrocontroller (e.g., the Sunplus SPG293A). The encoded patterndecoding software may be ADAPTEC from Honeywell Imaging and Mobility.However, other configurations of hardware and software may also be used.

The gaming provider 108 may interact with the hand-held device 102 overa network 104 to track scores of various users, provide electroniccoupons, and the like. For example, a score or other performanceindicator may be sent over the network 104 from the hand-held device 102to the gaming provider 108. The gaming provider 108 may be associatedwith the game being presented on the display device. The hand-helddevice 102 may redeem promotional opportunities over the network 104, ormay be physically taken into a store for redemption.

The network 104 may be a television distribution network, Global Systemfor Mobile Communications (GSM) network, an Internet Protocol (IP)network, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) network, and/or a WiFinetwork. Other networks may also be used.

The signal source 110 may include a display device, an audioreproduction device, or the like. The signal source 110 may receive thecontent from a television broadcast station, over the network 104, froma DVD, from local storage, or may otherwise be received. The content mayinclude an encoded audio signal, an encoded video signal, or a differenttype of content signal. The audio signal may be encoded with RDS orotherwise encoded. The gaming provider 108 may be affiliated with theprovider of content of the signal source 110. Promotional data may bepresented on the hand-held device 102 based on a presentation being madeon the signal source 110.

One or more signal sources 110 may be used. For example, the sourcemedia 106 may be read from a first signal source 110, and thesynchronization data may received from a second signal source 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example encoded information processing subsystem112 that may be deployed in the hand-held device 102 of the system 100(see FIG. 1), or may be otherwise deployed. The inclusion of thesubsystem 112 on the hand-held device 102 may, in an example embodiment,enable real-time play with the signal source 110.

The encoded information processing subsystem 112 may include an opticaldetection module 202, an audio signal receiver module 203, a datadecoding module 204, a data storage module 206, a synchronization module208, a request receiver module 210, a content provider module 212, aportion access module 214, an interaction processing module 216, a scoremodule 218, a response receiving module 220, and/or a data receivingmodule 222. Other modules may also be included. In various embodiments,the modules may be distributed so that some of the modules may bedeployed in the hand-held device 102 and some of the modules may bedeployed in an additional device.

The optical detection module 202 optically detects an encoded patternfrom the source media 106. The audio signal receiver module 203 receivesan encoded audio signal from the signal source 110. The data decodingmodule 204 decodes gaming data, synchronization data and/or promotionaldata from the encoded pattern and/or the encoded audio signals. Themodules 202-204 may be used to preload the hand-held device 102 withdata that may be used based on receipt of synchronization data.

The data storage module 206 stores the gaming data and/or thesynchronization data. The synchronization module 208 synchronizes thestored gaming data for use during gaming and/or the promotional data foruse during operation of the hand-held device 102 based on thesynchronization data. The synchronization may include scheduling thegaming data for use during gaming and/or the promotional data for useduring operation of the hand-held device 102 based on thesynchronization data. For example, the synchronization data may includea single synchronization (e.g., to act as a trigger) or multiplesynchronizations (e.g., based on time codes of the content signalprovided by the signal source 110).

The request receiver module 210 receives a request for gaming execution.The content provider module 212 provides gaming content during thegaming. The gaming content may be provided by audibly presenting thegaming content through a speaker on the hand-held device 102 or an audiooutput of the hand-held device 102, visibly presenting the gamingcontent through a display on the hand-held device 102 or a video outputof the hand-held device 102, and/or may be otherwise presented. Thegaming content may be provided based on receipt of the request.

The portion access module 214 accesses a portion of the stored gamingdata during the gaming in accordance with the synchronization data. Theportion of the gaming data may be used during the providing of thegaming content. The interaction processing module 216 processes gaminginteractions from a user during the gaming.

The score module 218 calculates and/or stores a score based on theperformance of a user during the gaming. The response receiving module220 receives an electronic coupon and/or a player ranking from thegaming provider 108. The data receiving module 222 receivessynchronization data from the presentation device 202 (see FIG. 2).

FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 for encoded information processingaccording to an example embodiment. The method 300 may be performed bythe hand-held device 102 (see FIG. 1) of the system 100, or it may beotherwise performed. In an example embodiment, the method 300 may obtaingaming data and synchronization data from an encoded pattern.

An encoded pattern is optically detected from the source media 106 atblock 302. The encoded pattern may be a bar code or other machinereadable representations of data in a visual form. The bar code may beone-dimensional such as a UPC bar code. The bar code may bemulti-dimensional (e.g., two-dimensional bar codes such as an Azteccode, Data Matrix, Dataglyph, MaxiCode, PDF317, QR Code, Ultra Code orUCC RSS-2D bar code). Other types of bar codes may also be used.

Gaming data and associated synchronization data are decoded from theencoded pattern at block 304. The gaming data may include puzzle data,map data, character data, weapon data, or any other data that maycontribute or enhance game play. For example, the gaming data may bepuzzles for the WHEEL OF FORTUNE game show, answers and/or questions forthe JEOPARDY game show, questions from the WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIREgame show, or the like. The gaming data may provide a patch or othertype of update for a video gaming operating on the hand-held device 102.

The synchronization data may indicate when portions or the gaming datamay be used by the video game. For example, puzzle start times mayindicate when puzzle data will be made available for use by the videogame. Adventure usage may indicate when additional levels, characters,or weapons are available to a player of the video game.

The synchronization data may enable game play along with the content(e.g., coordinated game play) being presented by the signal source 110.

The gaming data and/or the synchronization data may be stored at block306. The gaming data and/or the synchronization data may be stored onthe hand-held device 102, or otherwise stored. For example, the gamingdata and/or the synchronization data may be stored on a remote serveravailable over the network 104 or a data storage device connected to thehand-held device 102.

The gaming data may be synchronized for use during gaming based on thesynchronization data at block 308. The synchronization of the gamingdata may enable the gaming to be synchronized to content provided by thesignal source 110. In an example embodiment, the synchronization ofgaming data may enable enhanced video game play by allowing a user ofthe video game to experience additional game functionality at specifiedtimes during game play.

A request for gaming execution may be received at block 310. The requestfor gaming execution may be for the video game to start or to continueplay in an ongoing game. The operations performed at blocks 302-308 mayoccur while the video game is being played, during a stop in play, orwhen the hand-held device 102 is not being used for game play.

At block 312, a portion of the gaming data may be accessed during thegaming based on the synchronization data. The portion of the gaming datamay be used during the providing of the gaming content.

Gaming content may be presented during the gaming at block 314. Thegaming content may be presented based on the receipt of the request. Thepresentation of the gaming content may include an audio/videopresentation to which the user can interact or control based on usage ofthe hand-held device 102.

Gaming interactions may be processed from a user during the gaming atblock 316. The gaming interactions may include guessing letters or thesolution to a puzzle, moving a character through a maze, or the like.

A score may be calculated based on the performance of the user duringthe gaming at block 318. The score may reflect a number of puzzlescorrectly solved, a number of monsters defeated, or the like.

The score may be provided based on the performance of the user duringthe gaming at block 320. The score may be presented to the user throughdisplay on the hand-held device 102, may be provided to the user throughelectronic mail, or may otherwise be maid available to the user. Thescore may be provided to the gaming provider 108.

A response may be received from the gaming provider 108 at block 322.The response may include an electronic coupon, a player ranking, or thelike. The electronic coupon may reward the user for participation in thevideo game. The player ranking may rank the user's performance in thevideo game relative to other users.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for encoded information processingaccording to an example embodiment. The method 400 may be performed bythe hand-held device 102 (see FIG. 1) of the system 100, or it may beotherwise performed. In an example embodiment, the method 400 may obtaingaming data from an encoded pattern and synchronization data from thesignal source 110.

An encoded pattern is optically detected from the source media 106 atblock 402. Gaming data is decoded from the encoded pattern at block 404.The gaming data may be stored at block 406.

Synchronization data is received from the signal source 110 at block408. The synchronization data may be encoded in an audio portion and/ora video portion of a content signal (e.g., a video signal) associatedwith the game. For example, a television show presented on the signalsource 110 in the form of a display device may present an encodedcontent signal having the synchronization data encoded through use ofdual tone multiple frequency (DTMF), luminance modulation, chrominancemodulation, or the like.

The gaming data may be synchronized for use during the gaming based onthe synchronization data at block 410. Gaming interactions received froma user during the gaming may be processed at block 412.

A portion of the gaming data is accessed based on the synchronizationdata at block 414. The gaming data may be accessed based receipt of thesynchronization signal, the scheduling of the gaming data, receiving ofthe gaming interactions, or may be otherwise accessed.

A request may be received for gaming execution at block 416. Gamingcontent including the portion of the gaming data is provided during thegaming at block 418. The gaming content may be provided in response tothe receipt of the request.

In an example embodiment, the operations performed at blocks 318-322 maybe performed with the method 400.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 for pattern processing according to anexample embodiment. The method 500 may be performed by the hand-helddevice 102 of the system 100, or it may be otherwise performed.

At block 502, an encoded pattern is optically detected from the sourcemedia 106. Promotional data is decoded from the encoded pattern at block504.

Synchronization data is received from the presentation device 202 atblock 506. In an example embodiment, the synchronization data may bereceived from a video signal presented on the presentation device 202 inthe form of a display device. The synchronization data may be encodedwithin the video signal in a substantially invisible way.

At block 508, the promotional data is synchronized for use duringoperation of the hand-held device 102 based on the synchronization data.The promotional data may be used based on the synchronization at block510. For example, the promotional data may be presented (e.g., as anadvertisement or a promotion) on a display of the hand-held device 102based on the synchronization data. The promotional data may be otherwiseused.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 for encoded information processingaccording to an example embodiment. The method 600 may be performed bythe hand-held device 102 (see FIG. 1) of the system 100, or it may beotherwise performed. In an example embodiment, the method 600 may obtaingaming data and synchronization data from an encoded audio signal.

An encoded audio signal is audibly received from the signal source 110at block 602. The audio signal may be encoded through DTMF, or othermethods of encoding data along with an audio signal. Gaming data andassociated synchronization data are decoded from the encoded audiosignal at block 604. The gaming data and/or the synchronization data maybe stored at block 606.

The gaming data may be synchronized for use during gaming based on thesynchronization data at block 608. In an example embodiment, thesynchronization of gaming data may enable enhanced video game play byallowing a user of the video game to experience additional gamefunctionality at specified times during game play.

A request for gaming execution may be received at block 610. The requestfor gaming execution may be for the video game to start or to continueplay in an ongoing game. The operations performed at blocks 602-608 mayoccur while the video game is being played, during a stop in play, orwhen the hand-held device 102 is not being used for game play.

At block 612, a portion of the gaming data may be accessed during thegaming based on the synchronization data. The portion of the gaming datamay be used during the providing of the gaming content.

Gaming content may be presented during the gaming at block 614. Thegaming content may be presented based on the receipt of the request. Thepresentation of the gaming content may include an audio/videopresentation to which the user can interact or control based on usage ofthe hand-held device 102.

Gaming interactions may be processed from a user during the gaming atblock 616. The gaming interactions may include guessing letters or thesolution to a puzzle, moving a character through a maze, or the like.

A score may be calculated based on the performance of the user duringthe gaming at block 618. The score may reflect a number of puzzlescorrectly solved, a number of monsters defeated, or the like.

The score may be provided based on the performance of the user duringthe gaming at block 620. The score may be presented to the user throughdisplay on the hand-held device 102, may be provided to the user throughelectronic mail, or may otherwise be maid available to the user. Thescore may be provided to the gaming provider 108.

A response may be received from the gaming provider 108 at block 622.The response may include an electronic coupon, a player ranking, or thelike. The electronic coupon may reward the user for participation in thevideo game. The player ranking may rank the user's performance in thevideo game relative to other users.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 for encoded information processingaccording to an example embodiment. The method 700 may be performed bythe hand-held device 102 (see FIG. 1) of the system 100, or it may beotherwise performed. In an example embodiment, the method 700 may obtaingaming data and synchronization data from the signal source 110.

An encoded audio signal is received from the signal source at block 702.Gaming data is decoded from the encoded audio signal at block 704. Thegaming data may be stored at block 706. The gaming data may be encodedin an audio portion and/or a video portion of a content signal (e.g., avideo signal) associated with the game. For example, a television showpresented on the signal source 110 in the form of a display device maypresent an encoded content signal having the gaming data encoded throughuse of dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF), luminance modulation,chrominance modulation, or the like.

Synchronization data is received from the signal source 110 at block708. The gaming data may be synchronized for use during the gaming basedon the synchronization data at block 710. Gaming interactions receivedfrom a user during the gaming may be processed at block 712.

A portion of the gaming data is accessed based on the synchronizationdata at block 714. The gaming data may be accessed based receipt of thesynchronization signal, the scheduling of the gaming data, receiving ofthe gaming interactions, or may be otherwise accessed.

A request may be received for gaming execution at block 716. Gamingcontent including the portion of the gaming data is provided during thegaming at block 718. The gaming content may be provided in response tothe receipt of the request.

In an example embodiment, the operations performed at blocks 618-622 maybe performed with the method 700.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 for audio signal processing according toan example embodiment. The method 800 may be performed by the hand-helddevice 102 (see FIG. 2) of the system 100, or it may be otherwiseperformed.

At block 802, an encoded audio signal is received from the signal source110. Promotional data is decoded from the encoded audio signal at block804.

Synchronization data is received from the presentation device 202 atblock 806. In an example embodiment, the synchronization data may bereceived from a video signal presented on the display device. Thesynchronization data may be encoded within the video signal in asubstantially invisible way.

At block 808, the promotional data is synchronized for use duringoperation of the hand-held device in accordance with the synchronizationdata

The promotional data may be used based on the synchronized at block 810.For example, the promotional data may be presented (e.g., as anadvertisement or a promotion) on a display of the hand-held device basedon a schedule. The promotional data may be otherwise used.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a machine in the example form of acomputer system 900 within which a set of instructions may be executedcausing the machine to perform any one or more of the methods,processes, operations, or methodologies discussed herein. The sourcemedia 106, the gaming provider 108, and/or the signal source 110 mayoperate on one or more computer systems 900. The hand-held device 92 mayinclude the functionality of the one or more computer systems 900.

In an example embodiment, the machine operates as a standalone device ormay be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or aclient machine in server-client network environment, or as a peermachine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. Themachine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer(PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant(PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switchor bridge, a kiosk, a point of sale (POS) device, a cash register, anAutomated Teller Machine (ATM), or any machine capable of executing aset of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to betaken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine isillustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include anycollection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (ormultiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed herein.

The example computer system 900 includes a processor 902 (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU) a graphics processing unit (GPU) or both),a main memory 904 and a static memory 906, which communicate with eachother via a bus 908. The computer system 900 may further include a videodisplay unit 910 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode raytube (CRT)). The computer system 900 also includes an alphanumeric inputdevice 912 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 914 (e.g., amouse), a drive unit 916, a signal generation device 918 (e.g., aspeaker) and a network interface device 920.

The drive unit 916 includes a machine-readable medium 922 on which isstored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 924) embodyingany one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. Thesoftware 924 may also reside, completely or at least partially, withinthe main memory 904 and/or within the processor 902 during executionthereof by the computer system 900, the main memory 904 and theprocessor 902 also constituting machine-readable media.

The software 924 may further be transmitted or received over a network926 via the network interface device 920.

While the machine-readable medium 922 is shown in an example embodimentto be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should betaken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralizedor distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) thatstore the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by themachine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies of the present invention. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to,solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wavesignals.

Certain systems, apparatus, applications or processes are describedherein as including a number of modules or mechanisms. A module or amechanism may be a unit of distinct functionality that can provideinformation to, and receive information from, other modules.Accordingly, the described modules may be regarded as beingcommunicatively coupled. Modules may also initiate communication withinput or output devices, and can operate on a resource (e.g., acollection of information). The modules may be implemented as hardwarecircuitry, optical components, single or multi-processor circuits,memory circuits, software program modules and objects, firmware, andcombinations thereof, as appropriate for particular implementations ofvarious embodiments.

In an example embodiment, an encoded pattern may be optically detectedfrom source media. Gaming data and associated synchronization data maybe decoded from the encoded pattern. The gaming data may be synchronizedfor use during gaming based on the synchronization data. Thesynchronization of the gaming data may enable the gaming to besynchronized to content provided by a signal source.

In an example embodiment, an encoded pattern may be optically detectedfrom source media. Gaming data may be decoded from the encoded pattern.Synchronization data may be received from a signal source. A portion ofthe gaming data may be accessed based on the synchronization data.Gaming content including the portion of the gaming data may be providedduring the gaming.

In an example embodiment, an encoded pattern may be optically detectedfrom source media on a held-held device. Promotional data may be decodedfrom the encoded pattern. Synchronization data may be received on theheld-held device from a presentation device. The promotional data may beschedule for use during operation of the hand-held device based on thesynchronization data.

In an example embodiment, an encoded audio signal may be received from asignal source. Gaming data and associated synchronization data may bedecoded from the encoded audio signal. The gaming data may be scheduledfor use during gaming based on the synchronization data. Thesynchronization of the gaming data may enable the gaming to besynchronized to content provided by a signal source.

Thus, methods and systems for encoded information processing have beendescribed. Although embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed with reference to specific example embodiments, it will beevident that various modifications and changes may be made to theseembodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of theembodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the specification anddrawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separate embodiment.

1. A method comprising: optically detecting an encoded pattern from source media, the encoded pattern associated with a gaming application; decoding gaming data from the encoded pattern; synchronizing the gaming data with the gaming application; presenting device content based on the synchronizing of the gaming data with the gaming application; processing a plurality of gaming interactions from a user during presentation of the programming content and the presenting of the device content; and enabling a promotional opportunity based on the processing of at least some of the plurality of gaming instructions.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a content signal from a signal source during the presentation of the programming content; and determining whether the content signal includes a trigger, wherein the synchronizing of the gaming data with the gaming application is based on a determination that the content signal includes the trigger.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the synchronizing the gaming data with the gaming application enables real-time play of the gaming application with the presentation of the programming content.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the gaming application is a home-play version of a game presented by the programming content.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the content signal is a video signal.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving the gaming application from a gaming provider.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the enabling of the promotional opportunity comprises: providing a result of the processing of the plurality of gaming instructions to a gaming provider; and receiving the promotional opportunity from the gaming provider.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the promotional opportunity includes continued play of the game, redeemable points, or combinations thereof.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the encoded pattern is a bar code.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the gaming data is puzzle data, map data character data, weapon data, or combinations thereof.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the gaming data alters game play of the gaming application when synchronized with the gaming application.
 13. A method comprising: optically detecting an encoded pattern from source media, the encoded pattern associated with a gaming application; decoding gaming data from the encoded pattern; synchronizing the gaming data with the gaming application; presenting device content based on the synchronizing of the gaming data with the gaming application; processing a plurality of gaming interactions from a user during the presentation of the programming content and the presenting of the device content; and enabling a promotional opportunity based on the processing of at least some of the plurality of gaming instructions.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the source media includes electronic media.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the encoded pattern is visible to an ordinary viewer of the source media.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the promotional opportunity includes an electronic coupon.
 17. A machine-readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations: optically detect an encoded pattern from source media, the encoded pattern associated with a gaming application; decode gaming data from the encoded pattern; synchronize the gaming data with the gaming application; present device content based on the synchronizing of the gaming data with the gaming application; process a plurality of gaming interactions from a user during presentation of the programming content and the device content; and enable a promotional opportunity based on processing of at least some of the plurality of gaming instructions.
 18. The machine-readable medium of claim 17 further comprising instructions, which when implemented by one or more processors perform the following operations: receiving a content signal from a signal source during the presentation of the programming content; and determining whether the content signal includes a trigger, wherein the synchronizing of the gaming data with the gaming application is based on a determination that the content signal includes the trigger.
 19. The machine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein synchronization of the gaming data with the gaming application enables real-time play of the gaming application with the presentation of the programming content.
 20. The machine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the gaming application is a home-play version of a game presented by the programming content. 